Most preschool students are ready to start practicing basic math skills like number recognition, counting skills. This post is full of free printable number activities and fun worksheets to help kids love learning math!
Learning Numbers 1-10
It’s important to think about how children learn numbers and basic math skills.
First, children usually learn rote counting. Rote counting is just simply saying the numbers in order and counting orally. A child saying, “1,2,3,4,5,” is an example of rote counting. It is a skill that comes before learning to count actual objects and is often one of the first math concepts that young children learn.
With rote counting, children don’t actually know the numbers and what they represent; they are just simply reciting them in the correct order. This is similar to when children can sing the ABCs, but don’t actually know and recognize the letters. Rote counting is more of a memorization skill.
However, rote counting is important because children need to know the sequence of numbers to count a set of objects and be able to name the quantity. This leads to an understanding of one-to-one correspondence. Counting and hands-on learning activities are critical for developing these skills.
By ages 4 or 5, most children are able to count small quantities of objects and begin learning to write and represent numbers 1-10. You can help your kids develop these skills with the following free printables and number worksheets.
If you are looking for ideas to teach counting, check out this post: 12 Counting Activities to Teach Numbers 1-10
Printable Numbers 1-10 Activities
These printable activities are focused on numbers 1-10. These activities were put together with preschool and kindergarten children in mind. They are focused on promoting basic math skills, fine motor skills, and numeral recognition. Counting activities, craft projects and free printable numbers are also included!
Dot to Dot Printables
When children are first learning to write numbers, it can be helpful to have them trace dot-to-dot numbers. These printables feature dot-to-dot numbers for children to trace. Tracing also helps with fine motor skills too! Plus, a ten frame is included at the top to help students understand what each digit represents. Two versions are included to choose from. One is only tracing the number and the other is tracing the number and some lines for independent practice.
I actually recommend for kids practice tracing numbers (and letters) with a thin colored marker rather than a pencil. Always encourage kids to write the numbers correctly and begin each number at the top. Number formation rhymes can also be really helpful for pre k children as they learn.
Printable Number Coloring Pages
Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need something that requires absolutely zero preparation, just print and go! These printable number coloring pages are just the trick and are great for introducing numbers to kids. They are perfect for introducing the numbers 1 to 10, sending home for extra practice, or even math morning work!
Each of these worksheets shows the number and has that many objects for students to color. These could also be put together and stapled to create a counting book! These coloring pages are avaliable on their own or part of the money saving Number of the Week Bundle.
Printable Tracing Numbers 1-10
Number worksheets can be really helpful for students to practice tracing numbers 1-10. Students can use these worksheets to practice writing each number 1-10. Writing numbers is an important skill.
Printable Number Tiles
Number tiles can be an easy addition to any math center and help with identifying numbers. You can print these number tiles for free in this pdf file, Printable Number Activities 1-10. Only number tiles are included from 0-9 because number two number tiles can be combined to create two-digit numbers.
I recommend printing number tiles on colored cardstock and then laminating them so they last longer! These can also be printed and sent home for kids to use at home for a hands-on activity to do with their toys!
In the classroom these number tiles can be added to math centers for students to use. You can also print multiple copies for kids to sort using a pocket chart!
Printable Counting Mats
Counting mats are a great early learning activity. I recommend printing these counting mats on white cardstock and laminating them! Each counting mat also includes a ten frame for students to practice building the number.
Here are a few ideas of manipulatives you can add to these mats:
- Play dough
- Counting bears
- Pom Poms
- Legos
This counting mat is included in Number of the Week Activiites.
Themed Number Printables
If you are teaching each number to your students, I have themed number printables available to help students learn each number 1-10! You can check out all of the activities available by clicking the picture below!
The free printable numbers can also be printed and used with any theme or material. For example, during the month of October, the free printable numbers could be printed on orange paper and used with small pumpkins for practice counting. For more preschool theme ideas, check out this post: Preschool Themes.
Printable Numbers to Words Worksheet
If your students are ready to learn number words, this number to words worksheet is a great resource. Children match the numeral to the number word. Sometimes number words are sigh
Integrating math and reading is easy with these emergent readers. If your students are ready to recognize numbers as words ( 1 to one) just print this reader for your students to practice reading simple, predictable sentences using the number word. Print the book pages, cut them in half and assemble them in the correct order using the page number in the bottom right-hand corner. A corresponding sentence scramble is also included!
Numbers 1-10 Printable FAQ
What Age Do Children Learn Single-Digit Numbers?
Usually, children learn single-digit numbers between ages 3 and 5. This includes rote counting, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence. If you aren’t sure where to start with teaching your child numbers, I recommend practicing counting orally to 10.
Where Can I Find Free Printable Templates for Numbers 1-10?
You can print this set of free printable templates for numbers 1-10! Inside you will find a free worksheet to help children learn to write numbers 1-10! If your students need to practice writing each number, be sure to check out these Number of the Week activities with printable numbers activities for each number. It’s the perfect tool for preschoolers!
Free printable numbers are also included! These can be used for craft projects or with circle stickers! Students will simply put the correct amount of stickers on each printable number. The free printable numbers can also be put together to create a counting book.
Inside the free download you will also find number worksheets including number tiles and a number to words worksheets.
How do you teach writing numbers?
The best way to teach writing numbers is with number formation poems. It’s no secret that children learn through music and rhyme. That’s why these number formation rhymes are so helpful for kids learning how to write numbers. Here are the number writing poems I like to use to teach numbers 1-10.
I wish I knew the original source for these poems, I have just always known them and used them to teach pre k kids to write numbers!
How to Write theNumber 1 Poem
Straight line down, and then we’re done. That’s the way, to make a one.
How to Write the Number 2 Poem
Around and back, on the railroad track. You made a two, just like that!
How to Write the Number 3 Poem
Around the tree, Around the tree. That’s the way, to make a three.
How to WriteNumber 4 Poem
Down and over, down once more. That’s the way, to make a four.
How to Write Number 5 Poem
Straight line down, then around. Hat on top, and five’s a clown.
How to Write the Number 6 Poem
Stick and a hoop, do the tricks. That’s the way, to make a six.
How to Write the Number 7 Poem
Across the sky, and down from heaven. That’s the way, to make a seven.
how to write the Number 8 Poem
Make an S, and do not wait. Go back up, and that’s an eight.
How to Write Number 9 Poem
A loop and a line, that’s a nine!
1-10 Printable Numbers: The Bottom Line
Learning numbers 1-10 is an important skill learned in pre k. Using these free printables and number worksheets can make it fun for your students to learn!